Indian equities

In the initial trade, the key indices opened flat and rose mildly in the morning before ceded gains. Globally, Asian markets were largely down, similarly, European markets opened nominally weak. Among sectors, Telecom and Healthcare have gained the most while Banks and Metals have lost the most. Consequently, the 30-scrip Sensex traded at 61,236.96 points around 2.50 p.m., down 113.30 points, or 0.18 per cent.

At 10 a.m., the 30-scrip sensitive index traded at 60,504.75 points, down 316.87 points or 0.52 per cent. The Sensex opened at 61,398.75 points from its previous close of 60,821.62 points. Besides, the NSE Nifty50 traded at 17,989.40 points, lower by 125.50 points or 0.69 per cent. It opened at 18,229.50 points from its previous close of 18,114.90 points.

Besides, inflationary concerns due to high transportation fuel prices dented sentiments. The two key indices -- S&P BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 -- had a gap-up opening. However, soon afterwards, both ceded much of their gains and traded flat. Volumes on the NSE were the lowest in the past four days, and banks were the main gainers among sectors whereas metals, telecom, IT and realty were the main losers.

In the process, S&P BSE Sensex made an intraday high of 61,159.48 and Nifty50 touched 18,294.75 points. At 10.30 a.m., the 30-scrip sensitive index traded at 61,086.23 points, up 349.18 points or 0.57 per cent. The Sensex opened at 61,088.82 points from its previous close of 60,737.05 points. Besides, the NSE Nifty50 traded at 18,282.65 points, up by 120.90 points or 0.67 per cent.

In the day's trade, both the equity indices had a gap up opening before gradually rising through the session with minimal corrections. Accordingly, the two indices closed higher for the fifth consecutive session on Wednesday. In the process, the Sensex made a record intra-day high of 60,836.63 points, while Nifty touched 18,197.80 points. In fact, Nifty closed above the 18,000-point mark for the first time ever on Wednesday.

Accordingly, the 30-scrip sensitive index traded at 58,601.78 points around 9.55 a.m., down 524.58 points or 0.89 per cent.

Beside this, higher crude oil prices impacted investors' sentiments. Initially, both the key indices had a gap-down opening. They remained rangebound till mid-afternoon after which buying was triggered. However, after filling the opening down gap they soon ran into selling pressure and dipped back into the negative zone.

The sharp decline could be attributable to launch of a number of large equity-oriented schemes (new fund offers) in July as compared to August. But the fall has been much starker for debt-oriented funds and schemes where net inflows in August reduced to a mere Rs 1,074 crore in comparison to Rs 73,694 crore inflows seen in July.

Healthy buying was witnessed in FMCG and capital goods stocks, while IT and auto stocks were under pressure. Around 10.35 a.m., Sensex was trading at 57,443.30, higher by 105.09 pints or 0.18 per cent from its previous close of 57,338.21. It opened at 57,423.65 and has so far touched an intra-day high of 57,512.08 and a low of 57,287.79 points.

Accordingly, the two key exchanges - BSE and NSE - said they have noticed unregulated platforms offering trading in certain products called 'Contracts for Difference' (CFD) or 'Binary Options'. "Hence, investors are advised to refrain from dealing or investing in unregulated products such as CFDs or 'Binary Options' offered by such unregulated internet-based trading platforms."